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Sensing our health

Across the health service, agriculture and industry, UWE
Bristol researchers are developing cutting-edge technology
called ‘magnetic-biosensors’ to accurately detect biological
molecules. Even in tiny quantities, these results can change
lives.

Molecular innovation

Doctors need accurate, sensitive and high-speed methods of
detecting changes in their patients’ health. Previous sensing
technologies meant samples had to be sent away to laboratories, and
results could take days to process. However, a new invention from a
team of UWE Bristol researchers means this process can now be
done in real-time.

"Ten years ago, we developed magneto-immuno assays", says
Professor Janice Kiely. "This novel biosensing technique means
that we can get results on the spot, and not only that, they are
cheap and reliable. It’s proving to be critical where rapid
responses are needed, such as for clinicians definitively
diagnosing a heart attack in Accident and Emergency”.

Attractive technologies

The technique works by detecting target molecules binding to a
biological receptor – similar to the way pregnancy tests work. The
clever development comes with the addition of a magnetic particle
which is bound to the receptor. When the target molecule binds to
the receptor, the amount of magnetic particles in the sample can
instantly be detected. The technique is proving to be a hit beyond
health care, as co-researcher
Professor Richard Luxton explains.

“We all expect our food to be safe and meat free from disease,
but the only way to ensure that at the moment is to give all
animals antibiotics,” says Professor Luxton. “That’s not good, as
it can lead to antibiotic residues in our food. So we’re working
with a company to develop an on-farm test which vets can use to
detect disease. If spotted, only that animal would be given
antibiotics, rather than the whole herd.”

Creative solutions to real-world problems

The research team is now working with a range of partners and
industries to expand the use of the new technology. Connecting with
the end-user means that UWE Bristol’s researchers can deliver
solutions which meet the needs of real people in society.

"That’s what we love. We see ourselves as problem solvers,
bringing novel solutions to real people. It’s been inspirational to
see these ideas having a tangible impact".